Together we stand, divided we fall

The success of the East African Community’s (EAC) regional integration efforts lies in the ability of the five Partner States to lift each other in times of need. Solidarity amongst the countries is an essential bedrock in fostering a strong relationship, that will not only see the block emerge stronger, but also deliver many benefits to her citizens. So often regional blocks or groupings miss the point of the basis of their integration. At times, just focusing on economic issues at the peril of political issues or the reverse. Both being so interlinked you ignore one at the mercy of the regional grouping’s overall agenda. That is what makes the recent announcement by the Government of Rwanda to contribute a total of USD 1 million towards Burundi’s fees to the EAC, a break from the past.